Report: Gophers frosh QB will burn redshirt, start against Wisconsin

Quarterback has been a revolving door for Minnesota this year thanks to injuries and inconsistent play. Against Wisconsin, the Gophers could start their third QB this season in freshman Philip Nelson.

According to the Star Tribune, and barring a sudden change, Nelson will take the field against the Badgers later today. UM has not confirmed this report.

Even though Max Shortell has been listed as the starter on the depth chart, the Star-Tribune reports that Nelson has been taking most of the first-team offensive snaps this week in practice. Shortell has been inconsistent as the team’s starter the past couple of weeks and opening game starter MarQueis Gray is still nursing an ankle injury.

The plan for coach Jerry Kill was to redshirt the freshman this season with the hopes that Nelson would learn the offense and become the quarterback of the future for the Gophers. A heralded in-state prospect, Nelson appears to be needed right away.